Steroidal sapogenins XXXIX.: Occurrence and Isolation of Gentrogenin and Correllogenin from Dioscorea spiculiflora

Two new isomeric 12-ketonic sapogenins have been isolated from tubers of Dioscorea spiculiflora , obtained in Chiapas province, Mexico. The new sapogenins, called gentrogenin and corellogenin, constitute 20 to 55 per cent of the total sapogenin content which ranges from 2.0 to 5.5 per cent, moisture free basis. Methods for the analysis and isolation of gentrogenin and correllogenin are presented in detail. The more important physical constants including melting point, optical rotation, and infrared spectra are recorded.